Dust & Gold

43

It took a few days for Wangji and Wuxian to set everything up in their little home to be safe during the winter while the two were away. They had plans to go back to Cloud Recesses for a few weeks as it would be helpful of them. The situation between the Wen Sect and the Jin Sect seems to have risen and now it's reaching a critical stage. Wen Ruohan wants to put an end to Jin Guangshan's reign. Jin Guangshan has begun to have greedy and selfish motives and it's only now starting to become more of a threat.

Smaller clans have been forced to chose a side or die out. Wen Ruohan was not killing them off, but Jin Guangshan was. If they refused to support him, the entire clan perished. Wangji and Wuxian were getting angry. No one should have to suffer and choose a side. The Wen Sect has been doing things for a long time and has always been fair. They have become a bit more aggressive lately to make sure civilians are being safe and protected.

"This can't go on much longer," Wuxian said to Lan Xichen and Lan Qiren as he and Wangji met up with them for a meeting, "these smaller clans are what helps us with the tasks we are unable to handle at a certain time. The Jin sect has been destroying that."

"We have reached out to Sect Leader Nie and Sect Leader Wen, and they want to meet up in three days. They want to start working on options," Lan Xichen said.

"Are we needed?" Wangji asked.

"You two are immortal and have a choice to help us or not. But it would be better for us to have two strong people on our side," Xichen said, "not to mention, the Jiang Sect has joined the Jin sect's side."

"Are they trying to kill themselves?" Wuxian asked, "they just lost Madam Yu, she was a good fighter but with her core gone, the Jiang Sect has been crippled."

"One of our disciples who has been getting some supplies from Yunmeng said that Jiang Wanyin now has Zidian. He is just as ruthless with it. Jiang Fengmian has handed him the leader position and only helps him when needed," Xichen explained.

Wuxian sighed, "they are more than likely joining the Jin Sect for what happened recently right? They think they can get revenge by it?"

"It's possible," Lan Xichen said.

"How long have you decided to stay?" Lan Qiren asked.

"We made sure our home in Yiling is good for the winter so we are here for the long term. As least until we know what is going on," Wuxian answered.

"We fear that the Jin Sect will soon go after the larger sects," Wangji told them.

"Meaning they are bold enough to ambush us?" Xichen questioned.

"We cannot rule that out," Wuxian said, "we suggest making sure your evacuation plans are still good and maybe work on your wards for more protection."

"You have some good ideas for the wards?" Lan Qiren asked, "our wards are strong but if you can break through them so can someone else."

"No ward is impenetrable, but they can be altered to make it seem so," Wuxian replied, "how about a defense system added to the wards. Anyone who tries to break it gets a backlash of some sort. I have many different ideas like fires, shocking, and explosions."

"The more vulnerable locations should have the more dangerous defenses," Xichen suggested.

Wuxian nodded, "then I will work on that, but there is one more thing to address."

"What?" Xichen asked.

"If Cloud Recesses were to get attacked, to really shame you, they would target your library and treasure room. Your library has the most valuable information and resources in all of the sects. If anyone would go after you, the library would be your weakness," Wuxian explained.

"We will move the sacred texts to the cold caves and then maybe work on a way to preserve the building," Lan Qiren said.

"I can also help with that. I have talismans that I can give you. They make this protective barrier. When attached it looks like the building has been destroyed but underneath it's still there and untouched," Wuxian explained.

"Perfect," Xichen said, "this is a lot for one person so let us know what we can do to help you."

"Perhaps a safe space for me to work," Wuxian said, "making and creating talismans can get dangerous. One mistake and something could explode."

"The Mingshi can withstand such things so you can work there for now. We can work on getting you a workshop made for when you are here it can be used and you can be safe," Lan Qiren suggested.

"I appreciate it," Wuxian said, "May I suggest more training sessions for the younger students?"

"I can work with them while Wei Ying works on the wards," Wangji suggested.

"That would be appreciated," Lan Qiren said, "though we will only have those sixteen and up. Those who are fourteen have just started out with their swords so they need more one to one time."

"They can go about their normal routine but anyone who wants additional training, we can plan something after dinner but before curfew," Wangji suggested.

"That's actually a good idea," Xichen said.

"When did you want to start?" Wuxian asked.

"There is a sect meeting in the morning if you two want to come join us. We can let the elders know of the current situation," Lan Qiren answered.

"Alright," Wuxian said.

"Shufu, I ask that someone keeps an eye on Wei Ying. He tends to overwork himself when he's alone," Wangji said.

"Lan Zhan, I am doing better," Wuxian argued.

"Because I step in," Wangji said.

"Since you don't have training until the evening, you can help Wuxian until then. That way he has supervision," Xichen told him.

"Alright, that makes me feel better," Wangji said.

"We will make sure otherwise," Lan Xichen said, "why don't you two settle in and meet up with us for dinner this evening."

"Alright," the two said and went about their day.

"Lan Zhan, I don't need a baby sitter," Wuxian said as they entered the Jingshi.

"Wei Ying, I know how you get when you work alone," Wangji told him, "I know you will more than likely be fine, but I would feel better if I can be here to take care of you if you miss a meal or stay up too late. You get lost in your work too much."

"I can't help it sometimes. I like working with talismans and charms. I always forget about everything else," Wuxian said.

"Now that this curse is gone, you cannot be reckless. Especially now that you have me. I won't allow that," Wangji told him, "it is because I love and care about you that I do this."

Wuxian sighed, "I love you too."

Wangji smiled and pulled him into a hug, "hopefully this won't last long and we can go back home soon."

"I hope so," Wuxian said, "I just want to spend my time with you."

"You will, even if we are now working every day," Wangji assured him.